title: Carotid proliferative plaque formation in a canine model of chronic hypertension.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are few reports describing arterial plaque formation induced by hypertension alone. The aim of this study was to establish a canine model of chronic hypertension and investigate carotid plaque development.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten beagles were studied; 5 underwent bilateral renal artery constriction via a novel vascular clip, and 5 sham-operated animals served as controls. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), lipid values, the intima-media thickness, and the carotid artery plaque score were investigated during 1 year after placement of the clips.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean SBP and DBP over time were significantly greater in the constriction group (P < 0.001 for SBP, P < 0.01 for DBP). There were no significant differences in blood lipid levels or other biochemical parameters. Carotid plaques were demonstrated at 4 months postoperation in the constriction group; and in the constriction group, intima-media thickness became significantly greater at 4 months (P < 0.05), and plaque scores became significantly higher at 8 months (P = 0.034) after clip placement. Carotid stenosis was proved by digital subtraction angiography 1 year after clip placement, and histological examination revealed that the plaques were mainly comprised of smooth muscle cells, proteoglycans, and collagen fibers, but few macrophages and little lipid.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Carotid proliferative plaques were developed in a canine model of chronic hypertension induced by a novel vascular clip. The plaques were mainly comprised of smooth muscle cells, proteoglycans, and collagen fibers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, People’s Republic of China. tianzuojun9@163.com
authors.forename: Zuojun
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Yuechun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Haixing
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Tong
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiujing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Yaxian
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Tianhui
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: You
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018450:Disease Progression; D004285:Dogs; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology